We are big fans of mac 'n cheese at home, but sometimes I need to change it up. These bites are an elegant twist on an old classic—the kids still love 'em, but they are adult-appropriate so you can serve them at a cocktail party or as an alternative to your regular dinner routine. My daughter likes it when I added vegetables, and sometimes I sneak some chicken in, too. Another option? They're perfect for the lunch box. Pop a few in a bento box or baggy and you're ready to go!

Mac and Cheese Bites

Make comfort food adult-appropriate with these delicious bites that are an elegant option to an old favorite.

By Kelsey Banfield

Published: November 27, 2013

Prep Time: 15 min

Cook time: 30 min

Servings: 12

Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni: 2 cups

2 tablespoons unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons

2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons

whole milk: 1 ½ cups

coarsely shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups

mascarpone cheese: 2 ounces

kosher salt: 1 teaspoon

shredded chicken (optional): 1 cup

large egg: 1

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease the inside of a mini muffin tin, set aside.

Step 2: Cook macaroni until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the sauce by combining the butter and flour in medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in the milk and bring the heat to medium so the mixture comes to a simmer. Whisk in 1½ cups of the cheddar, the mascarpone, salt, and pepper and cook the sauce until it is smooth and creamy. Stir in the chicken if using. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Pour the pasta into the pan with the sauce, along with the egg and stir everything together. Then, place the mac and cheese in the muffin tins and top each one with a pinch of the shredded cheese.

Step 5: Bake the bites for 15 minutes, turning once as necessary. Allow to cool for 5 minutes, then pop out of the muffin tins and serve!

Kelsey Banfield, The Naptime Chef, believes parents don't have to give up being foodies just because they have kids. Kelsey's website features webisodes, recipes and ideas on how to fit delicious food into everyday life, without compromising quality or taste. Kelsey is also the author of the newly published cookbook, The Naptime Chef Fitting Great Food Into Family Life.